Keepsake apparatus

ABSTRACT

A keepsake apparatus can be used for special events, for example, weddings, bar mitzvahs, anniversaries, birthdays, and special promotional collections or donations. More particularly, the keepsake apparatus, which is configured to replicated a building connected to an event, provides a repository for articles, such as gift envelopes or money, in a secure manner while providing a decorative keepsake of the event.

[0001] This is a non-provisional application based upon an earlier filedprovisional application, Ser. No. 60/189,559 filed Mar. 15, 2000. Thepresent invention relates to a keepsake apparatus for use in specialevents, for example, weddings, bar mitzvahs, anniversary gifts,birthdays, and special promotional collections or donations. Moreparticularly, the present invention provides a keepsake apparatus forholding articles, such as gift-envelopes and money, in a secure mannerwhile providing a decorative keepsake of the event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002]FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of an embodimentof the present invention.

[0003]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of an embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0004]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illuminated embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0005]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention with a drawer.

[0006]FIG. 5 is a perspective bottom view, partially exploded, of anembodiment of the present invention showing a removable panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the present invention comprises akeepsake apparatus 10 in a general container shape, preferablycomprising at least three walls 12 and a top 14 and a bottom 16. In oneof the walls 12 or top 14 is a slot 18 through which articles 20 can beinserted. For example, envelopes or money may be inserted into theapparatus 10 of the present invention through said slot 18. The slot 18should be of sufficient size to allow easy entrance of articles 20, suchas money or envelopes, while at the same time providing security for andpreventing unlimited access to said articles 20. In a preferredembodiment, the at least one slot 18 is one quarter to one inch wide andapproximately seven to nine inches in length.

[0008] The present invention preferably includes a door 22 in the top14, bottom 16 or one of the walls 12 of the apparatus 10. Such doorsshould be of such shape and configuration to provide access to theinterior portion of the keepsake apparatus 10 when opened for easyremoval of articles 20 inserted into the apparatus 10. The door 22 mayor may not have a locking mechanism for locking the door 22. Suchlocking mechanism can include any kind of mechanical or electrical lockknown in the art.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the keepsake apparatus 10 of thepresent invention is configured to replicate a building in which aspecial event occurs. For example, in the case of a wedding, thekeepsake apparatus 10 may be configured to replicate the church orchapel where the wedding ceremony occurs. The keepsake apparatus 10 mayinclude replicas of any architectual features of the building, includingbut not limited to stained glass window(s) 24, bell tower 26, steeple28, etc. See FIGS. 1 and 4.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the top 14 of the keepsake apparatus10 may be hinged to allow access to articles 20 inserted into thekeepsake apparatus 10. In addition, the top 14 may be removably attachedby other means known in the art or it may be permanently attached to thewalls 12. In addition, one or more of the walls 12 may be hinged eitherto another wall 12 or to the top 14 of the keepsake apparatus 10.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 3, the keepsake apparatus 10 in the presentinvention may also have a drawer located in a bottom portion of saidkeepsake apparatus 10 that allows for easy removal of articles 20contained in said apparatus 10.

[0012] The keepsake apparatus 10 may be illuminated from within theapparatus 10. Illuminating means are well-known in the art. For example,a candle may be used to illuminate the keepsake apparatus 10, or a lightsocket 32 with either an electrical cord or battery operated may becontained within the keepsake apparatus 10. The keepsake apparatus 10may also be used as a night-light.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, one or more panelswithin the keepsake apparatus 10 may be removable. A panel 34, such as apanel with a slot or a picture frame panel or a window-replica panel,can be slid out of position in the keepsake apparatus 10 and replacedwith another panel 34. For example, a panel with a slot that allowsenvelopes or money to be put into the keepsake apparatus 10 may beremoved and replaced after an event with a picture frame panel that canhold a photograph. The picture frame panel can hold a paper backedphotograph or a film-based photograph, similar to a slide. Such panelscan be held in place by a securing piece 36 attached to the keepsakeapparatus 10 by screws 38 or any other removable means of attachment.Other means of securing the panel 34 in the keepsake apparatus 10 willbe apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0014] A keepsake apparatus 10 of the present invention may be made ofwood, cardboard, glass, ceramic, tile, plastic, metal any material withsufficient structural integrity to allow construction of the apparatus10, or any combination thereof. It may be decorated and configured inany manner, including having decorative features such as stained glasswindows in chapels, clocks, bells, etc.

[0015] The present invention provides a secure container for gifts,donations, etc. at, for example, gatherings or a social function.Furthermore because it can be configured to replicate some building orother item with sentimental value, it provides a decorative keepsake andmemento of a special occasion.

What is claimed is:
 1. A keepsake apparatus comprising at least threewalls, a top, a bottom, and a slot located in at least one of the saidtop, bottom, or one of said three walls.
 2. The keepsake apparatus ofclaim further comprising at least one removable panel.
 3. The keepsakeapparatus of claim 2 wherein said slot is located on a removable panel.4. The keepsake apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a drawer.
 5. Thekeepsake apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a door.
 6. The keepsakeapparatus of claim 1 further comprising an illuminating means.
 7. Thekeepsake apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a picture frame panel.8. The keepsake apparatus of claim 6 wherein said picture frame panel isremovable.
 9. The keepsake apparatus of claim 1 wherein said top ishinged.
 10. The keepsake apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one ofsaid walls is hinged.